‘60% goes on rent’: Indian PhD scholar reveals harsh reality of UK student life as budget breaks world News
An Indian PhD student in the UK has shared detailed details of her monthly expenses, drawing attention to the increasing living pressures faced by international students, especially the high cost of accommodation.Anushka Diwakar, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Manchester, posted a video explaining how she manages her finances while studying on a scholarship. He receives a tax-free stipend of approximately £1,800 per month.A large part of that income goes towards rent. His university studio accommodation costs around £1,100 every month, which is around 60 per cent of his stipend. “This is my biggest expense in a month,” she said, outlining how housing alone consumes the majority of her budget.After paying the rent, he has about £700 left for all other expenses. She allocates around £100 per month for groceries. In addition, she sets aside £50 for eating out and social outings and £50 for shopping and small personal expenses.Their breakdown shows the strict budgets many students must adhere to, especially as housing costs continue to rise in major UK cities. Fixed stipends, which don’t always keep pace with inflation and rent increases, may leave limited room for savings or unexpected expenses.In the caption accompanying her post, Diwakar wrote that she moved to Manchester in October 2025 and wanted to provide a clear picture of what PhD life in the UK really costs. He said many prospective students often question whether the scholarship stipend is enough to live comfortably.The breakdown has reignited concerns over the gap between fixed student stipends and rising living costs, with housing absorbing a large share of income.
